Celica Super Strut Suspension Parts: What to Know and What to Buy

The Toyota Celica from 2000 to 2005 (seventh generation) offered a unique suspension setup on certain trim levels: the Super Strut suspension. Unlike the conventional MacPherson strut found on the base Celica, the Super Strut system was designed to improve handling by reducing camber change during cornering. It was standard on the GT-S model and optional on some GT models. If you own one of these Celicas, you may be searching for replacement or upgrade parts. This article covers the key components, common issues, and what to look for when buying Celica Super Strut suspension parts.

Understanding the Super Strut System

The Super Strut suspension is a variation of the MacPherson strut, but with a few key differences. Instead of the strut acting as both the spring damper and the steering pivot, the Super Strut separates those functions. It uses a separate upper control arm and a lower arm that connects to the steering knuckle. The strut itself is mounted to the knuckle but does not rotate with the wheel. This design allows for a more consistent wheel alignment during suspension travel, reducing camber loss and keeping more tire contact patch on the road during hard cornering.

Why It Matters: The Super Strut system gives the Celica better cornering stability, but it also means that replacement parts are not interchangeable with standard Celica suspension components. If you need to replace a strut or control arm, you must use parts specifically designed for the Super Strut system.

Common Issues with Super Strut Suspension

Owners report a few recurring problems as the car ages:

• Upper control arm ball joint wear: The ball joint on the upper control arm is a wear item. When it develops play, you may hear clunking noises over bumps, and alignment becomes erratic.
• Lower ball joint failure: Similar to the upper, the lower ball joint can wear out, leading to steering looseness and potential safety issues.
• Strut leak or loss of damping: The strut itself may leak oil or lose its ability to control bounce, causing a harsh ride or excessive body roll.
• Stabilizer link breakage: The sway bar links, which connect the stabilizer bar to the suspension, can snap or wear out, causing clunking and reduced roll control.
• Tie rod end wear: Outer tie rod ends may develop play, leading to vague steering and uneven tire wear.

Key Parts to Replace

When servicing your Celica's Super Strut suspension, you'll likely need one or more of these components. Here’s what each does and what to consider when buying.

Upper Control Arms

The upper control arm connects the top of the steering knuckle to the chassis. It includes a ball joint at the knuckle end. Because the Super Strut uses a separate upper control arm (unlike a standard MacPherson strut, which has none), this part is unique to this system.

Replacement Options:

• OEM Toyota arms: These are the exact factory parts. They are reliable but expensive, often costing over $200 each.
• Aftermarket brands: Moog, Mevotech, and others offer replacement upper control arms with greaseable ball joints. Moog is a popular choice for durability. Expect to pay $60–$120 per side.

What to watch for: When buying aftermarket, check if the ball joint is pre-greased and has a grease fitting. Some budget arms lack grease fittings and may wear faster.

Lower Ball Joints

The lower ball joints are pressed into the lower control arm, but on the Celica, the lower arm is a separate piece. The ball joint can be replaced separately on some designs, but most aftermarket sources sell the entire lower control arm with ball joint pre-installed.

Replacement Options:

• Complete lower control arm assemblies: Brands like Moog, ACDelco, and TRW offer these. They include the ball joint and bushings. Prices range from $50 to $100 per side.
• OEM lower control arms: Toyota parts are available but cost more.

Tip: If your lower control arm bushings are also worn, replacing the whole assembly saves time compared to replacing just the ball joint.

Strut Assemblies (Quick Struts)

The Super Strut strut is unique because the spring is separate from the steering pivot. This means you can buy a pre-assembled strut (quick strut) that includes the spring, strut, and mount. However, not all quick struts are designed for the Super Strut system. Many universal quick struts are for standard MacPherson strut cars.

Replacement Options:

• OEM strut assemblies: Toyota sells the complete strut assembly, but they are costly and may require separate purchase of upper mounts.
• Aftermarket strut cartridges: KYB and Monroe offer replacement strut inserts. You must reuse your original spring and mount. This is more labor-intensive but allows you to choose a higher-performance strut.
• Coilover kits: Brands like Tein, BC Racing, and KW make coilover kits for the Celica. Some are designed to replace the entire Super Strut system, while others retain the OEM geometry. Coilovers typically cost $800 and up.

Important: If you install coilovers, ensure they are specifically for the Celica GT-S with Super Strut. Some coilover kits require removal of the upper control arm and convert the suspension to a standard MacPherson strut setup. This may affect handling and alignment range.

Stabilizer (Sway Bar) Links

The stabilizer links are short rods connecting the sway bar to the strut or control arm. They are a common wear item. For the Super Strut, the links attach to the lower control arm.

Replacement Options:

• OEM links: Durable but expensive.
• Aftermarket: Moog, Duralast, and others offer replacement links. Look for ones with grease fittings. Prices are around $15–$30 each.

Tip: Replace both sides at the same time for even wear.

Outer Tie Rod Ends

The outer tie rod ends attach to the steering knuckle and transfer steering input. They are the same as standard Celica tie rods because the steering rack is unchanged.

Replacement Options:

• OEM or aftermarket — Moog, Beck/Arnley, and others offer good quality. Around $20–$40 each.

Upgrading vs. Replacing Stock

You have three basic paths:

1. Replace with OEM parts: This maintains the original handling characteristics and quality. It’s the most straightforward if you want a long-lasting, reliable repair.
2. Use high-quality aftermarket replacements: Brands like Moog and KYB offer parts that often meet or exceed OEM specs at a lower price. Look for greaseable joints and lifetime warranties.
3. Switch to coilovers: Coilovers can improve handling and adjustability. However, some kits eliminate the Super Strut geometry. If you want to retain the unique handling of the Super Strut, choose a coilover kit that works with the existing upper control arms. Coilovers may also lower the car, which can cause alignment issues if you don't get camber adjustment plates.

Note: If you plan to track your Celica, a proper coilover setup with adjustable camber plates is often recommended. For a daily driver, sticking with OEM-style replacements is usually sufficient.

Compatibility and Fitment

Super Strut suspension was only used on:

• 2000–2005 Toyota Celica GT-S (all years)
• 2000–2005 Celica GT (some years with option package)

It is not compatible with:

• 1999 and older Celicas
• 2000–2005 Celica GT without Super Strut (standard MacPherson strut)

When ordering parts, always specify that your Celica has the Super Strut suspension. VIN checks or visual inspection under the hood (look for an upper control arm) can confirm. Never assume that all Celicas of that generation share the same suspension.

Mixing parts: Do not mix Super Strut components with standard Celica suspension parts. The mounting points and geometry are different. If you convert to a standard suspension (by removing the upper control arm and using a conventional strut), you must replace the entire front suspension assembly, including knuckles and possibly the subframe. That is a major project and not typically recommended.

Final Recommendation

For most Celica owners, the best approach is to replace worn Super Strut parts with high-quality aftermarket components from brands like Moog (for control arms and ball joints) and KYB (for struts). These parts offer good durability at a reasonable price. If you need a complete overhaul, consider buying a full suspension kit that includes the control arms, ball joints, tie rods, and stabilizer links. This saves labor and ensures all components are fresh.

If you are a weekend racer or autocross enthusiast, coilovers can provide superior performance. Just make sure the kit is designed for the Super Strut layout (e.g., Tein Flex Z or BC Racing with appropriate brackets) so you don't lose the suspension's unique capabilities.

Bottom line: Stick with parts that match your car's specific suspension type. Avoid mixing standard and Super Strut parts. Regular inspection of the upper and lower ball joints and strut seals will help you catch wear early, saving you from more expensive repairs. With proper maintenance, the Super Strut suspension can continue to deliver the sharp handling that makes the Celica GT-S a driver’s car.